10 sleeper teams to help you win your March Madness pool

As college basketball season ramps up, all eyes turn toward the underdogs and dark horses that could defy expectations in the 2025 March Madness tournament. While powerhouse teams often dominate headlines, sleeper teams have the potential to captivate audiences with unexpected victories and deep runs. In this listicle, we explore the top ten sleeper teams with the potential to make waves in the NCAA tournament this year. From well-established programs to those seeking their first tournament win, these teams could turn the tournament on its head.

Creighton Bluejays (No. 9 seed)

The Creighton Bluejays are a sleeper team with the potential for a deep 2025 March Madness run. They boast a strong roster and their balanced offense and defense make them a formidable opponent.

San Diego State Aztecs (No. 11 seed in round of First Four)

The Aztecs (21-9) are poised for another deep tournament run. With a balanced attack led by Jaedon LeDee and Reese Waters, SDSU boasts impressive wins over Houston and Creighton. Their tough non-conference schedule and Mountain West battles have them battle-tested for March Madness.

UConn Huskies (No. 8 seed)

Despite a rocky start, the two-time defending champions, led by fiery coach Dan Hurley, the UConn Huskies shouldn’t be counted out. The eighth-seeded Huskies, who face the Oklahoma Sooners in the first round, have the experience and pedigree to make another deep run.

Baylor Bears (No. 9 seed)

Despite a rocky season, Baylor remains a dangerous tournament threat. With a 10.8% chance of reaching the Final Four, the Bears boast a potent offense averaging 80 points per game. Led by freshman sensation ++VJ Edgecombe, who recently dropped 30 points against Kansas State, Baylor could surprise in March.

Michigan Wolverines (No. 5 seed)

Despite a rocky start, Michigan surged in Big Ten play under new coach Dusty May and won the conference title over Wisconsin with a gutsy effort. Led by double-double machine Danny Wolf and sharpshooter Tre Donaldson, the Wolverines have won four straight nail-biters. With a balanced attack and improving defense, Michigan could be this year’s Cinderella story but they have a tough first-round draw with No. 12 seed UC San Diego.

North Carolina Tar Heels (No. 11 seed in round of First Four)

With a 22-12 record, the North Carolina Tar Heels are gaining momentum as a potential sleeper team. Recent wins, including a victory over Wake Forest, just barely got them into the NCAA tournament. They couldn’t avoid the First Four (vs. San Diego State) even with a strong ACC tournament performance, but they still have tons of talent.

Texas Longhorns (No. 11 seed in round of First Four)

The Texas Longhorns, despite struggling in SEC play with a 6-12 record, have shown flashes of brilliance. Led by coach Rodney Terry, they boast a strong non-conference performance and could capitalize on late-season momentum to make a surprising March Madness run, but first, they play Xavier in a First Four play-in game.

Oklahoma Sooners (No. 9 seed)

The Oklahoma Sooners were on the bubble for March Madness, but they boasted impressive non-conference wins against Providence, Arizona, and Michigan and made it in. Their strong start to the season, including a 10-0 beginning, highlights their potential despite their conference struggles. Unfortunately, they play two-time defending champion UConn in the first round.

UC San Diego Tritons (No. 12 seed)

The UC San Diego Tritons are a sleeper team for 2025 March Madness, landing as a No. 12 seed. They boast impressive metrics, including a 13-game winning streak and strong defensive efficiency, ranking 31st in adjusted defense. Their slow tempo and 3-point shooting prowess make them a dangerous opponent for fifth-seeded Michigan.

Drake Bulldogs (No. 11 seed)

The No. 11-seeded Drake Bulldogs have played big-time under new coach Ben McCollum. With a 29-3 record and MVC regular-season title, they will give No. 6 Missouri fits in their first-round matchup and have consistently shown resilience in tight games throughout the season.

Conclusion

With the NCAA tournament on the horizon, the potential for upsets and Cinderella stories is as thrilling as ever. As highlighted in this listicle, sleeper teams like the Drake Bulldogs and UC San Diego Tritons each bring unique strengths and narratives that could see them etching their stories into March Madness lore. While top seeds often dominate the conversation, these under-the-radar contenders remind us of the unpredictable excitement that has become synonymous with college basketball’s biggest event. Keep an eye on these teams as they fight to leave their mark on the 2025 tournament.